Bottle-Feeding: When To Call A Doctor

Content provided by Healthwise

When to Call a Doctor

Call a health professional if your baby:

• Is not growing and gaining weight as expected. About a weight gain per month is usually expected for the first few months after birth.
• Is constipated or if his or her stools are hard and/or dry.
• Is vomiting forcefully and seems to be uncomfortable. When vomiting occurs, all or most of a feeding is thrown up.
• Has diarrhea or skin rash or is vomiting or crying inconsolably. Your baby may have developed a cow's milk intolerance or food allergy.
• Has gas, bloating, cramps, and/or diarrhea after drinking milk or eating dairy products. Your baby may have lactose intolerance.
• Has dark areas on his or her teeth or other signs of tooth decay.

Who to see

For routine medical checkups or problems related to your baby's health, the following health professionals can help:

• Pediatrician
• Pediatric nurse practitioner
• Family medicine physician
• Physician assistant

For preventive dental care and problems with your child's teeth, see a dentist. Pediatric dentists specialize in the care and problems of children's teeth.

Last updated:	August 16, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC